To spin another Rubicon Trail story would be repetitious, as the trail has received more than its fair share of editorial coverage the past few years. Land-rights issues, closures, and environmental concerns have been a hotbed of controversy, and rightly so. These very concerning issues should be addressed at every waking chance. Important as they may be, however, we would like to relay another adventure story to you.
The Adventurer And The StartMark Smith and Jeep Jamboree have been around as long as there have been Jeeps and Jeep enthusiasts. Mark first 'wheeled the Rubicon back in the early '50s. Since his first journey through the Sierra Nevada trail, he's made a life of the Rubicon, four-wheeling, working with professionals in his off-road training courses, and traveling the world in search of adventure. Perhaps Mark's most noted accomplishment amongst Jeep enthusiasts is the building of his company, Jeep Jamboree USA. Jeep Jamboree events are held throughout the country each year and draw together thousands of participants. The 2004 schedule was filled with 33 events, which were held in remote and ruggedly beautiful locations. The 2005 season will see a few more events, including some specialized training events and Jamborees. The first of such specialized events is our adventure story detailed in the next few pages.
A Brief History Of The TrailThe Rubicon Trail is renowned as perhaps one of the most rugged and challenging trails in the country. This is a trail that sets the standard for others. It started as an American Indian footpath from the Sacramento Valley to the Lake Tahoe area. The trail was used in the 1800s as a stage-coach route, which ferried travelers between Georgetown and Lake Tahoe, with a stop at the now-razed Rubicon Springs Hotel. Hotel patrons stayed extended lengths of time to bask in the mineral springs for healthy rejuvenation and relaxation.
The EventRealizing that not every enthusiast across the country can get his or her tail to and from the Rubicon Trail, Mark and his two right-hand people - daughter Jill Umlauf (president of JJUSA) and son-in-law Pearse Umlauf (vice president and general manager of JJUSA) - put together an amazing event. Together, they crafted a plan that brought people in from across the country; supplied them with Jeep Rubicons; and provided essential trail gear, accommodations on the trail, and the usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner feasts fit for royalty.
Getting ThereThis event ran Thursday through Sunday. Most of the participants flew into Reno, and shuttles provided transportation to Lake Tahoe. Enthusiasts were put up for the night at Tahoe's Embassy Suites across from the lake. The evening began with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and an overview of the adventure to come from Mark Smith and Pearse Umlauf. JJUSA also supplied some extremely nice gifts for the trip - a duffel bag and jacket with Jeep Jamboree logos, sundries, a towel, bug spay, JJUSA handkerchiefs, snacks, and just about everything a person would need out on the trail. On Friday morning, everyone was introduced to their Jeep Rubicon, and the convoy began the journey to the Rubicon trailhead.
The TrailThe Rubicon Trail is a granite- and boulder-strewn trail, with intermittent runs of solid-granite slabs. Living up to its reputation, steep inclines and descents are found throughout the trail. Surprisingly, there are no death-defying drop-offs, though rollovers can be an issue if drivers aren't fully aware of their surroundings. Depending on the time of year, stretches of the trail hold a fine talc-like dirt that finds its way into everything, including your sinuses.Be prepared.
This trail is famous for those things against which all others are judged and rated. The famous obstacles, such as Gatekeeper, Walker Hill, Little Sluice, Big Sluice, and Cadillac Hill, are negotiable to even the first-time 'wheeler if the right line is drawn across the rocks. This is where the trail expertise of Mark's trail guides come in. Leading the group in his bone-stock TJ was long-time guide and trail veteran, Bart Coffman. His expertise is more than enough to help get anyone through the maze of obstacles. Walking nearly the entire trail and guiding participants were Mark's granddaughter and Jack Johnson. Their stamina and help were greatly appreciated by all.